350 placed in the bed of an S-10

[fattmann]

My friend has always wanted to put a 350, or any engine for that matter, in the bed of an S-10. Why? For obvious horsepower and cool factor increase. Yet my friend keeps telling me how difficult it would be, all the complications. He's gone through all sorts of scenarios, using a midship engine, using a front wheel drive engine/transmission, etc. I just don't see why it would be all that difficult. Yeah there's going to be a lot of fabricating mounts and supports, cutting away the bed, and reinforcing the back of the cab, but it seems so "simple" after that.

He mentioned using a long bed (for the room), and mounting a "sub frame crossbeam" to help support the engine.

I am not a mechanic; I wouldn’t even call myself an amateur. I just want to help my friend out, encourage him if I can, for I think it would be neat as well.

I have seen very few examples of what I am talking about, but the enclosed link is pretty much what we’re looking for (except the tandem axles, and with an S-10).tandem, rear engine Datsun

Any help on the mechanics would be helpful, I don’t want you guys to spend a Lot of time on this, I know you have better things to do, but help would be appreciated.

[fattmann]

Nobody? Come on, at least someone tell us we're nuts!
Or if you don't think so, help us out, please.

I'm sure a lot have thought of doing it, but not many people seem to try to tackle it. My friend is being very stubborn. I just want to know if I am wrongfully encouraging him to think it is easy.

[berkes454]

dude there are so many comlication u have to make.......like just getting everything lined up so it works will take a few days it self.....ok heres and example.....my step dad and i worked to gether to restore his 85 Ranger after we got it looking beautiful we figured to add the the perfection of this truck we were gonna mash a 302 v-8 in the small pickup........it took us a bout 40 hrs to get her done.....there is alot of fabrication work......now keep in mind that we are putting a motor where a motor is supposed to be.....your friend is putting a motor where hot chicks should be standing on a nice Friday night. Trust me man there is more work then u think.....i do have one question for u though...where the hell is he going to mount the radiatior and cooling system??

[fattmann]

He had mentioned leaving the radiator up front, so the lines would be nice and cool by the time it traveled to the back.

I don't know, I guess I'm just being naive. But it seems so simple? Like I said, I'm no mechanic. Just looking for a fun project with my friend.

One of my friends recently bought an S-10 with a 350 in it, very ballsy. It must just still be the rush from driving it thats making me mad over wanting somthing that's even "cooler".

[berkes454]

my freinds dad bored and stoked a 350 and stuck that in an s-10 and put a to speed trans for stip in it......i was riding with him and he was rodding the hell out of it.......well we came to a stop light by the local hangout on main street. "He said hold the fuck on"..so i was like "What u gonna do??" the light turns greena nd he mashes it the floor....tires light up like fireworks and he gets traction and right after redline (big 5 in tach with shift light) swear we where prolly doing bout 80-100 and he just mashes it into second, the windsheild ceacked all the way across and he twisted the frame!! Crazyiest ride i ever had!

[fattmann]

Nice story! Yeah my friend's S-10 is kinda like that, but without the traction, his tires are bald as hell.

Thats the type of stories I want to have if we can get this beast buil. I'm in the process of finding a truck to hack apart, my friend agreed to buy the engine if I buy the truck. So I hope we'll get it done no matter what.

[berkes454]

ive got and S-10 for sale with a 2.8 with a 5 speed...........only problem is RUST RUST RUST!!

[fattmann]

Oh really? How much rust? How much you want for it? Better be cheap, you're like 4 hours from here, lol.

[berkes454]

well the box is probably going to need replaced.....the cab isnt to bad mostly surface rust....be she does run and there is no frame damage......only problem is the throwout bearing in the tranny is frozen to the cluth is stuck. She runs very well though. Im asking $600 b/c the body is so bad but she runs great.